Most Want Menendez to Quit
A new Quinnipiac poll in New Jersey voters finds that most voters want Sen. Robert Menenedez to resign over corruption charges, 52% to 39%.
Menendez Indicted on Corruption Charges
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) “was indicted on federal corruption charges on Wednesday, setting the stage for a bitter court fight and putting his political future in doubt,” the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Menendez was charged with seven counts of bribery, which carry up to 15 years in prison on each charge. He was also charged with conspiracy, fraud, and making false statements on government documents.”
National Journal reports Menendez will voluntarily step down as ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee .
Menendez Expects Indictment Tomorrow
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is expecting a federal indictment Wednesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“Menendez has been traveling, but is expected to be back in New Jersey tomorrow and people around him expect the long-awaited corruption charges to be brought then. The case is being handled by the Department of Justice in Washington, but a grand jury has been meeting in Newark.”
Stevens Prosecution Looms Over Menendez Case
“In 2008, the Justice Department took the unusual step of indicting a sitting United States senator. Prosecutors described the senator, Ted Stevens, an Alaska Republican, as a crafty politician who concealed the expensive gifts that had been lavished upon him by one of his friends, a millionaire oil contractor. The case ultimately collapsed, becoming an embarrassing cautionary tale about overzealous prosecuting,” the New York Times reports.
“Now, federal corruption prosecutors are close to once again bringing charges against a senator, Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat. The Justice Department’s public corruption unit, which was overhauled after the Stevens case, is running the investigation. Once again, the case involves a lawmaker and gifts from a wealthy friend.”
Corruption Charges Against Menendez Coming
“Federal investigators are preparing to file criminal charges against Sen. Robert Menendez as early as this week, following a legal battle over how much the Constitution shields lawmakers and their aides,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The specific charges weren’t immediately clear, but the agency has been probing whether Mr. Menendez took things of value from a friend and donor Salomon Melgen, a prominent Florida eye doctor who is facing a probe into his billing practices, according to people familiar with the probe.”
Feds to Charge Menendez with Corruption
The Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), “alleging he used his Senate office to push the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts,” CNN reports.
“People briefed on the case say Attorney General Eric Holder has signed off on prosecutors’ request to proceed with charges, CNN has learned exclusively. An announcement could come within weeks. Prosecutors are under pressure in part because of the statute of limitation on some of the allegations.”
